In this episode, Emily Merrell and branding expert Calvina Nguyen dive deep into the branding essentials for coaches. They discuss common pitfalls, emphasizing that the foundation of effective branding lies in understanding your messaging, audience, and industry positioning before getting lost in visual elements like logos and colors. Calvina stresses that many coaches need to prioritize their logo and design over the core aspects of their brand, which can lead to wasted time and ineffective outreach. Instead, she encourages coaches to focus on refining their message and understanding their audience first, allowing for a more authentic connection that translates into successful branding.

As they explore practical branding tools, Calvina highlights the benefits of using Canva, particularly its Pro account features that streamline the branding process. She advocates for building a brand kit within Canva to ensure consistency across marketing materials, which saves time and enhances professional presentation. The discussion underscores the importance of leveraging design tools and strategic planning to create a brand that resonates with your audience. Whether you're just starting or looking to refine your brand, this episode provides invaluable insights and actionable advice for coaches at any stage of their journey.

Here’s what you’ll learn: 

• Understand the significance of articulating your brand message before focusing on visual elements.
• Prioritize getting to know your ideal audience to create authentic connections.
• Assess where you fit within your industry to tailor your branding approach better.
• Don’t get sidetracked by designing a logo or choosing colors initially; these should come later.
• Establish a solid brand foundation that can be revisited and refined over time.
• Recognize when it’s the right time to invest in professional design, typically after gaining traction in your business.
• Leverage Canvas Pro account features, including the brand kit, to streamline your branding efforts.
• Keep your initial branding efforts simple; don’t overcomplicate your design process.
• Use AI features within Canva to generate designs quickly and efficiently based on your brand elements.
• Regularly revisit and update your brand strategy to reflect growth and changes in your business.

Listener Links: 

Website: https://calvinaphotography.com/about-me/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourbrandspark/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/calvinanguyen/

• Follow Em & Lex on Instagram at @readysetcoachcommunity
• Sign up for the Ready Set CLIENTS Conference/Learn More: https://www.readysetcoachprogram.com/clients
• Join the Ready Set Coach Community: www.readysetcoachcommunity.com
• Learn more about Second Degree Society and THEPRBAR Inc.